Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but Nature’s sources never fail. … The petty discomforts that beset the awkward guest, the unskilled camper, are quickly forgotten, while all that is precious remains. Fears vanish as soon as one is fairly free in the wilderness.” – John Muir
Yesterday marked the 97th anniversary of the National Park Service, and so it’s only fitting to acknowledge John Muir’s tireless efforts to preserve our wilderness treasures. And although Muir died two years before its creation, he has been called the Father of the National Park Service.
Muir in fact hosted President Theodore Roosevelt on a three-day camping trip in Yosemite, touring from the giant sequoia trees in the Mariposa Grove to Glacier Point and of course Yosemite Valley itself. While the two didn’t see eye-to-eye on everything, Roosevelt agreed that spaces like Yosemite deserved protection.
What National Parks have you visited? Leave a comment below.
A Note about Muir Monday
I started sharing the wisdom of John Muir on back in June, posting new quotes on Instagram and Facebook with a photo I’ve taken that supports the message. Muir had a way with words, and the Muir Monday meme has proven popular. Beginning today, I’m trying out a new approach, sharing these inspirational words here on SoCal Hiker. Each Monday you’ll find a new quote to inspire you. Please spread the word, and share with your friends on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Google+ or whatever networks you prefer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.